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DiscussionPost-cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery
Digestive Health | Last Active: Jul 21 1:26pm | Replies (561)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hello. I am 30F, no history of pregnancy, normal BMI. Grandfather and Grandmother on each side..."
It's possible you have bile acid gastritis which does not respond to typical PPI treatment. It can cause all of the symptoms you mention. Colestipol and the like are bile binders that activate in your intestine and typically cause chronic diarrhea and fat malabsorption. They will not bind with bile acid in your stomach. When you condensed your diet to bland and non-fatty foods it would have felt better from that. I had a bad stomach ache and pain when I learned I had stones and sludge in my duct and bladder so I had emergency gallbladder surgery. But after that I still had an upset stomach when I was really hoping it would stop it. Eventually it died down on its own but they did order a test called an MRCP to make sure there were no remaining issues with the duct. Given you've had these symptoms well before your gallbladder was taken out, I wouldn't think this is a post surgery issue. It's just sad the gallbladder wasn't what was causing you misery. I do get bad stomach aches after eating. I take Mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant ironically. I wonder if you notice you're hungrier than usual.
Trulance relieves constipation. Very interesting. Thank you. Is that a rx? I'm on same diet. Ondansetron relieves nausea immediately. Need rx. I hope you can try that. The only thing i do different re diet is no rice. Sets like cement, BRAT diet; (bread, rice, apples, toast) for diarrhea. & yes I can't digest raw vegetables, raw fruits, everything is canned or earth foods like sweet potatoes, squash, apple sauce & anything liquid. 2 boosts 30mg protein.
My 40 yo son had gallbladder removal 6 weeks ago. He had GI issues for a couple of years prior and then a week before surgert started with chest pain at a 10/10. Was sent home by ER twice after they decided it wasn't heart related. 3rd time in ER we asked them to check his gallbladder and they found stones. Sent him home and told him to call a surgeon when their office opened on Monday, 36 hours later. Finally had surgery. Now 6 weeks later and still has significant pain most days. Don't know what to do now. Apparently there is a percentage of people who can continue with pain for the rest of their life.
@chattycat
Welcome to Mayo Connect!
I hope you’ll hear from other members with similar problems- there are many of us with confusing GI issues.
I have been through most of the testing and treatment steps you describe.
Life after gallbladder removal has not been easy- I had to learn what fats I definitely could not eat. I also ended up with sludge in the bile duct - had 2 procedures to enlarge the opening into the intestine. Because of blockage I also ended up with chronic pancreatitis.
Have you had follow up ultrasounds to check the common bile duct?
I’ll just mention another problem I had that’s not very common but caused all symptoms you mention plus others. It’s MALS- blockage of the celiac artery. Caused pain, nausea, lack of appetite, fullness etc.
Let’s wait to see what other members have to share.